The Basics of MMA Betting

If you’re accustomed to betting on team sports, mma betting might seem like a foreign concept. But if you understand some basic concepts, wagering on MMA fights can be very profitable. The first step in mmma betting is understanding how to read the odds. These are generally shown in either American, decimal or fractional form. Odds will shift as the fight gets closer, so it’s important to keep an eye on them regularly.

Moneyline – This is the most basic bet, where you place a wager on a particular fighter to win their fight. The odds for a favorite are typically listed with a minus symbol, while underdogs will have plus symbols in front of them. Usually, the higher the odds of a certain fighter, the more likely they are to win.

Over/Under Rounds – This is a bet on how many rounds the fight will last. It’s important to consider the fighting styles of both fighters when making this wager. For instance, a fighter that’s a southpaw will have an advantage against opponents who are orthodox. In addition, the fighter’s age can also be a factor in determining how long the fight will go. A younger fighter will often have a greater advantage over a veteran fighter, and you can take this into account when placing your bets.

Method of Victory – This is a bet on who will win the fight via KO, TKO, submission or judge decision. Unlike boxing, MMA doesn’t limit the number of methods of victory, and this gives you a lot of options when handicapping a fight. It’s a good idea to look at the fighters’ previous record in this area to help you make your decision.

Futures Betting – Unlike pre-fight bets, futures bets on MMA fights are placed weeks or even months before the fight takes place. This allows you to gain insights into how a fight will unfold, including how both fighters will perform, and can provide excellent returns. The only drawback to futures bets is that they can take a little longer to settle, but if you’re patient and have the right analysis, these types of bets can be very profitable.

Parlay – A parlay is a combination of multiple bets on the same fight to increase the odds of a payout. This can be done on different legs of the same match, or across multiple matches. For example, you could take Khabib Nurmagomedov to beat Justin Gaethje (moneyline) and add him to a bet on Jorge Masvidal to defeat Nate Diaz (over/under rounds). To make a profit, all of the individual events in a parlay must win.

If you’re interested in wagering on UFC fights, Bovada offers a great platform. The process of signing up is simple and quick, and once you’ve signed up, you can place your bets with ease. Just be sure to check the terms and conditions, as these can vary from one online betting site to the next.